Knights of Honor Books 1-10: A Medieval Romance Series Bundle

by Alexa Aston

  “Merryn says you have feelings for this man.”

  A calm descended upon Avelyn as she heard his words. “I do. A part of me believes that fate has sealed our destiny. From the moment we kissed, I have felt as one with him.”

  Geoffrey grinned. “So you found that enjoyable?”

  She felt the heat in her cheeks. “Quite so.”

  “Have you ever been kissed before?”

  “Uncle!”

  He lifted his hands, palms up, as if in surrender. “I know you have been at court, so I thought it only fair to ask.”

  Avelyn twisted her hands nervously in her lap. “Aye. A few courtiers have stolen a kiss from me, but not for any great length. They were . . .” She hesitated, finding it hard to put into words how bland those kisses had been and how unaffected she was by them.

  “Nothing like Sir Kenric’s kiss,” Geoffrey finished.

  She met his eyes. “Nay. They weren’t.”

  Her uncle leaned closer. “Did it feel as if the very earth moved under your feet? That your glow could light the night sky brighter than the stars from the heavens above?”

  “How poetic,” she declared.

  “’Tis how I feel every time I touch Merryn.” He gazed at her steadily. “I would hope this for you, as well.”

  Avelyn nodded. “Aye, it’s so.”

  He sat back. “Good. As your uncle—and with your father gone—I’m responsible for you and your welfare. I know I asked the queen to look for a suitable match for you, yet you found one on your own. I think she will understand.”

  “But I don’t know how Kenric would feel about wedding me,” she protested. “And in truth, I know so little about him. He may not be of a marrying mind.”

  Geoffrey gave her a long look. “If he feels as you do, he won’t be able to stop from pledging himself to you. He’ll move heaven and earth in order to commit to you.” He paused. “If this is what you want, Avelyn, then you have my blessing.”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek.

  “We can keep this between us for now,” Geoffrey said. “But I’ll write to Michael and tell him that you have my blessing. I trust he’ll look out for your interests while you are at Sandbourne this summer.”

  Avelyn hugged him tightly. Hope filled her that, by summer’s end, Sir Kenric Fairfax would declare his intentions toward her.

  More importantly, she longed to hear from his lips that he loved her.

  *

  Avelyn finished the meal that her uncle had brought and rested the tray on the table next to the bed. Before she had time to be bored, Alys arrived.

  “I’ve returned to look at your ankle,” her young cousin said.

  She removed the poultice and unwrapped the bandage. She studied the ankle, her touch light. Alys rewrapped it with fresh, cold rags that she pulled from her basket.

  “The swelling is minimal, so you’ll be able to walk on it tomorrow with just a few twinges. You were lucky, Avelyn. It could’ve been much worse. I’ve tended to sprains where the swelling caused the joint to balloon up and bring much pain. I have ordered people to bed for a week.”

  “Then I’m glad it was only a small hole I stepped into and only a slight twist I suffered,” Avelyn teased. “Else you would keep me here a sennight and practice your skills upon me.”

  Alys swept up the tray and excused herself as Sela entered the chamber.

  “I wondered where you had gone.”

  Her friend sat down on the bed next to her. “I had a busy day. Thank goodness it wasn’t atop a horse. My poor rump is still sore from being in the saddle for so long. But I did walk a good deal and saw quite a bit of Kinwick. The de Montforts have a lovely estate.”

  “Did you enjoy seeing it with Sir Martin?” Avelyn asked. She watched as Sela blushed prettily.

  “He accompanied me, but several others from Sandbourne and Kinwick came along with us. I met many people and they were ever so friendly. You were right, Avelyn. Country life is much different from that in London.”

  “I hope you’ll enjoy your time at Sandbourne, Sela.”

  “I’m certain I will. Oh, I came to tell you that Tilda has made up a bed for me in the chamber across the hall. Merryn wanted to be sure that you received a proper night of rest. I admitted to her that I can be a restless sleeper, so you’ll be alone tonight.”

  “Merryn does have a tendency to fuss.”

  “I like her a great deal. She is full of spirit and life.” Sela kissed Avelyn’s forehead. “I’ll bid you a good evening and return to the great hall.”

  “Would Sir Martin be awaiting you there?” she teased.

  Sela’s brows arched. “Mayhap he does.” She giggled and climbed down from the bed. “I’ll see you soon, Avelyn.”

  After her friend left, she felt at loose ends. She wasn’t ready to retire for the night, but she didn’t expect any more visitors. Then a gentle rap sounded at the door.

  Something told her that Kenric Fairfax stood on the other side.

  She called for him to enter. He stepped in, a concerned look on his face.

  The man took her breath away.

  She’d never thought a man to be beautiful, but everything about Kenric spoke to that. Avelyn wanted to run her fingers through his dark, curly locks and stare into those hazel eyes for an eternity. More than anything, she wished to press her body against his, sculpted with muscle.

  And kiss him. Oh, Sweet Jesu, she longed to touch her mouth to his and never come up for air.

  “My lady, I came to see how you fare.”

  She swallowed and found her voice. “I’m doing well. Alys just left and said that I may get on my feet tomorrow.”

  “That’s good news. Lady Merryn says we can leave as planned. We’ll ride all day tomorrow, so you won’t have to strain yourself. Then we should arrive at Sandbourne by the noon meal the day after. Your ankle should be much stronger by then.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  An awkward silence loomed between them after she spoke. Avelyn had no idea what to say. Then, as she started to speak, Kenric did so at the same time. They both stopped and laughed before they fell silent again.

  She wanted him to stay but didn’t think he’d take the initiative—so Avelyn took matters into her own hands.

  “Would you mind bringing Uncle Geoffrey’s chess set upstairs so that we might play a game or two? It can be found in the steward’s room, where the records of the estate are kept and managed.”

  Kenric asked, “Are you certain I should do so?” His hazel eyes twinkled at her. “After all, I must uphold my code of chivalry, which is to always honor women. I wouldn’t wish to embarrass you.”

  Avelyn sensed the flirtation in his tone. “You think to best me at chess?”

  He shrugged. “You are but a woman.” He gave her a charming smile that caused her pulse to quicken.

  She found her eyelashes fluttering instinctively. “I possess just as much ability to think and reason as a man,” she told him, a smile playing about her lips. “I demand you retrieve the set at once—then I can prove it to you.”

  “If you insist.” Kenric left the room.

  Nervousness built within her as she waited for his return. When the door swung open a few minutes later, it startled her when Merryn came in.

  “I stopped by to be sure that you were settled for the night. Geoffrey told me that he spoke with you.” Her aunt gave Avelyn a contrite look. “I hope you don’t feel as if I betrayed a confidence by sharing what I knew about your feelings for Sir Kenric. I only wanted to make Geoffrey aware of the situation. He is the head of the family and must give his approval if there’s to be any match.”

  Avelyn took her aunt’s hand. “I understand. I’m not upset. In fact, he was rather sweet about it. Oh, Merryn, he is so in love with you.”

  Her aunt’s face grew dreamy. “Even after all these years, our love is strong. I cannot imagine myself with another man. Geoffrey is—and always will be—the one for me.”

/>   At that moment, Kenric returned. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”

  “Nay, stay,” Merryn told him, “I was about to leave.” She smiled. “I see that you’re going to play chess.”

  Avelyn snorted. “He thinks women haven’t the skill to do so. Much less win.”

  Merryn cocked an eyebrow. “Then you don’t know the de Montfort women, Sir Kenric. Avelyn’s half de Montfort. ’Twill be enough to bury you,” she promised. She gave the knight a sweet smile. “I bid you a good evening.” Merryn swept from the room and closed the door behind her.

  Avelyn’s anticipation grew as he set up the game pieces. She intended to win.

  Not only the game—or the match—but Kenric’s heart.

  Chapter 11

  Kenric found himself stunned when Avelyn Le Cler beat him soundly in their first game. It happened quickly, as if he experienced a surprise attack by the enemy that left him decimated. He struggled but clawed his way to victory in the second game. Though the noblewoman proved a cunning opponent, when he saw the disappointment in her eyes, he thought to give her an out.

  “Mayhap your injury contributed to your loss, my lady.”

  Her jaw fell open and then snapped shut. “A slightly twisted ankle has nothing to do with my thinking.” She eyed him for a moment, much as a cat might before it pounced upon a helpless mouse. “A final game, my lord, to see who’ll take the match?”

  “Nay.” He sat back from the gaming board. “We can reengage in play at Sandbourne.”

  Her grin told him that he had been caught.

  “You wish to think about my strategy and plan a way to try and win.” She laughed, a teasing light shining in her eyes. “You think, despite your talk of honoring ladies with your code of chivalry, to embarrass me in front of your home troops in the great hall, where you will have men rooting for you.”

  Avelyn picked up her queen and toyed with it. “I accept your challenge. It will give me time to give thought to your chess play, as well.” Her eyes now sparkled with mischief. “You should fear me, my lord. I won’t go easy on you, no matter what witnesses stand present at your defeat.”

  He crossed his arms. “I fear I won’t find an easy victory, for I now see you have a keen mind.” He paused. “I underestimated you, Lady Avelyn.”

  In more ways than one . . .

  Kenric decided to change the subject. “I like Sandbourne very much. I think you will enjoy your stay there with your sister this summer.”

  “I’m looking forward to our arrival. But why are you there? What caused you to enter into service with Michael?”

  He rubbed his chin. “I heard that the earl had come into his title and assembled a new group of men under his leadership at Sandbourne. I decided to seek him out. He has a noteworthy reputation as a warrior and is a fine man, both moral and just.”

  “So you served no other liege lord before him?” she asked, curiosity lighting her delicate features. “I know some knights become restless in a single place and choose to hire out their services as they travel about England. Does that describe you, my lord?”

  Kenric shrugged, not wishing to reveal anything about his time fostering with Lord Forwin.

  Or what had happened with the nobleman’s daughter.

  “I’m happy at Sandbourne and plan to remain as long as the earl wishes my presence there, but I did roam about before then.”

  “Where?” she asked eagerly.

  “Far from here,” he said brusquely, wanting to close the topic from discussion.

  “I am from the north,” she told him. “I grew up in the harsh cold and snow. When my father died, the king had Mother bring us south with her to Hopeston Castle where she wed again. My stepfather passed away suddenly last summer and Mother is charged with keeping Hopeston for now.”

  “Truly?” The thought of a woman solely in charge of a castle puzzled him. He knew it occurred in times of war when the lord would be away, but for an unmarried woman to have total control baffled him. “The king has left the castle and its people in her care?” he asked, hoping to clarify Avelyn’s meaning.

  “Aye. Mother is a formidable woman.” Her lips turned up into a small smile. “Merryn told you before—de Montfort women are most capable, no matter what task they take on. But what of the women in your family? Your mother? Have you sisters? Tell me what Sir Kenric was like as a small boy.”

  His body tensed at the mention of his childhood. He wondered how much to share with her.

  “I have no sisters, so I have no experience around women.”

  “But you did have a mother. What is she like? Are you much like her?”

  He tried to relax his clenched jaw and said, “Aye, I have a mother. But as a second born son, she lavished her attention upon my brother. As the heir to Shadowfaire, Roland rightly received all her time and interest.”

  “What?” she asked, sounding aghast. “That’s ridiculous! All children need both love and attention from their parents, no matter what their place is in the birth order.”

  Kenric stiffened at her words.

  “I’m sorry,” she rushed to apologize. “I sound as if I stand in judgment of your lady mother.” Avelyn paused. “Mayhap I am—and I find her lacking.”

  “I tend to agree with you,” he said lightly, “for we never spent time together. She was devoted to my brother and his needs. Roland was a sickly boy. She nurtured him. Read to him. Coddled him. She had no time for a younger son.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Hmm. And what of your father?”

  “My father was a great warrior,” Kenric said with pride. “He taught me all he knew. How to ride. Shoot. Hunt. Fight.”

  “All the important things,” she observed.

  “Aye,” he agreed, glad Avelyn understood what truly counted. But he saw the odd look that lingered on her face.

  “But did he love you?” she asked softly.

  Her question puzzled him. He’d never thought of love in terms of his father. He feared the man. Respected him. But love?

  “I suppose,” Kenric said, but he heard the hesitation in his voice as the words hung in the air.

  “You have no other brothers?”

  “None.”

  Avelyn fiddled with the chess piece still in her hand. “It makes me sad that you lived such a lonely existence.”

  He’d never admitted to himself how lonely he had been. It seemed he’d spent his entire life with no one to depend upon but himself.

  “I did spend a great deal of time on my own, but it helped to toughen me up. I wasn’t an easy child and was often punished—whether I was guilty or not.”

  It shamed him to admit it to her. He’d never voiced this thought aloud. It startled him that this noblewoman could draw such information so easily from him.

  “What do you mean?”

  Kenric decided to open up and tell her the truth. It might be cleansing.

  “My brother tended to be a mischievous child,” he began and then decided he would not censor his words. “Actually, Roland could be quite cruel at times. Abusing animals. Breaking items without provocation. I was often blamed for his actions.”

  Avelyn twisted the queen so tightly that he saw her knuckles go white. “So he lied.”

  The truth lay in the open. This beautiful woman, short of stature but wise in years, gave him the courage to speak about the unspeakable.

  “Yes. Often. And when he didn’t, Gussalen stepped up to lay blame at my doorstep.”

  “Who is she?”

  Just uttering her name brought distaste to him. “My mother’s old nurse. Gussalen was with her at birth and came to Shadowfaire when she married my father.” He thought a moment. “She would do anything for my mother. Roland, too. He favors our mother, while I look much as my father did.”

  Her brow creased. “You’re telling me that this Gussalen blamed you for your brother’s wrongdoing. You were punished for his poor actions simply because he was the elder and preferred by your mother.” Avelyn set down the queen. “Oh, Ke
nric.”

  He heard the anguish in her voice even as she took his hand in both her small ones. Tears swam in her blue eyes.

  “My heart hurts so for you. What a harsh upbringing you had.”

  She pulled his hand to her and tenderly brushed her lips on it. His heart sped up, pounding rapidly at the sweet gesture.

  This woman saw him for who he was, like no other before had. He told her things he’d never admitted to another soul, becoming transparent before her.

  His eyes met hers as Avelyn said, “I can tell you have a good heart, Kenric Fairfax. I’m sorry your mother and brother did not recognize it. And despite their ill will and lack of attention, you have become a fine man. A knight of not only physical strength—but strength of character. I know it was a lonely road, but you’ve made the journey to honor all on your own.”

  She pressed warm lips to his hand once more. Kenric brushed aside the tear that spilled down her cheek with his free one.

  “I’m glad you’ve found happiness at Sandbourne,” Avelyn said. “I hope you’ll remain there . . . and find even more.”

  *

  Lord Geoffrey and Lady Merryn came to see them off, accompanied by young Alys. Kenric couldn’t help but notice how close the lord and lady of Kinwick seemed to be. They stood arm in arm, not only physically close, but each had a glow about them that he had seen present only one other time—on Lord Michael and Lady Elysande’s faces. It was like their love was on display for all the world to see, without regret.

  “I hope you have a pleasant trip as you complete your journey to Sandbourne,” Lady Merryn told him. Her eyes twinkled as she said, “And I hope that you manage to win a game or two of chess in the future.”

  Lord Geoffrey shook his hand. “Thank you for bringing my daughter safely home from London.”

  “She was no trouble, my lord,” Kenric said, surprised that he felt that way. Alys de Montfort had proven to be a true delight, both on the road and after their arrival at Kinwick.